News

08

Oct 12

‘IPL, CLT20 make cricket more competitive’

Captain Kandamby and coach Nosworthy keen on team getting exposure

Uva Next went into the inaugural Sri Lanka
Premier League (SLPL) as dark horses. In the end, they not only emerged
victorious but gave themselves a chance to play in a high profile tournament
like CLT20. And as they gear up for the Qualifiers, their coach Dave Nosworthy
made the team’s intentions absolutely clear. “We’re not here to just
participate but compete and win.”

The coach’s confidence stemmed from the
fact that Uva Next have some reputed international cricketers, including
Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Jacob Oram.

“Our international cricketers will play key
role for us,” he said. A guy like Umar Gul will be a key player in South
African conditions from the bowling point of view. Jacob Oram is a good
all-rounder to have in this competition. These are some names but there are a
few more players to watch out for.” Touching on the team’s domestic strength,
Nosworthy said, “We’ve got quality domestic cricketers and our captain leads
the way. He has played international cricket and has set good standards.”

As captain Thilina Kandamby pointed out, “Uva
Next is the first Sri Lankan team to play in the CLT20 with foreign players.”
Wayamba fielded an all-Lankan team in 2009.

Nosworthy explained how the presence of
these international players helps in the growth of domestic cricketers. “Having
overseas players in the side quickens the development of the local players.
Talking to some of the local players in the team, they really enjoyed working
with the likes of Andrew McDonald and Oram. It can only be good for their own
game and for Sri Lankan cricket on the whole,” he said.

Nosworthy also spoke of how the overseas
players have blended nicely into the team and credited the IPL and CLT20 for
elevating the standard of competition in world cricket.

“Sometimes, the international players get a
bit arrogant and ego-driven. But the guys that we’ve got are so integrated
already. Everyone is learning from each other. I’m sure that even the internationals
are learning a lot about the Sri Lankan way. It works both ways and that’s what
makes this format of cricket so exciting. Because of tournaments like the IPL
and CLT20 the game is moving further and getting tougher.”

Nosworthy had special praise for Shivnarine
Chanderpaul, who, although is not a quintessential T20 batsman, adds immense
value to the team’s top order.

“We haven’t decided on the line-up yet but
opening with Chanderpaul is definitely a good option for us. He might not be a
left-handed Chris Gayle but Shiv is really experienced and works the ball
really well. I think he will use the pace of the South African wickets very
nicely. He’s a senior campaigner and we’re relying a lot on him. He’s excited
to be here and is expecting big things.”

The Uva Next coach also stressed on the
importance of having experienced players for the T20 format in order to bring a
calming effect on the team.

“I think experience is always underrated in
T20s. Calmness and level-headedness under pressure is very important in this
format where emotions can run high. For a young guy, just to have somebody on
the field to pat him on the back or whisper a word is important. The captain
too is supported by such players. He has so much going on in his head and to
have someone chip in with an advice here and there helps. Shiv is brilliant in
that way. So, experience is vital,” he said.

Open Questions

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